2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 First Look: Detroit Auto Show Preview

After all the hype, the King of the Hill is back. But how far past 600 hp can it go? Get all the specs straight from the supercar's chief engineer below, then check out our slide show and an expert analysis of the ZR1's history. Be sure to check back in January for live video as GM takes the wraps off the all-new Vette in Detroit! Can't wait? Subscribe to PM's new cars feed here.

After a hiatus of more than 12 years, the ZR1 Corvette is back. The 2009 "King of the Hill" promises to be the quickest production car in the Corvette's long history. Here are the details we know so far.

The ZR1 is based on the Corvette Z06's aluminum chassis, but there are quite a few unique body panels. The fenders, hood, B-pillar and roof are all carbon fiber, as are the new front splitter, rocker extensions and rear spoiler. This lightweighting should keep the ZR1 close to the Z06's 3132 pounds--perhaps only a bit heavier.

Most Popular

Under the hood is a new supercharged LS9 6.2-liter V8. It's a different motor than the Z06's normally aspirated 505 hp 7.0-liter LS7, but GM uses much of the same hot-rodded internals--a forged crankshaft, titanium intake valves, sodium-filled exhaust valves (for better heat management) and titanium connecting rods--to increase durability. Atop the engine is an all-new R2300 Eaton four-lobe roots-type supercharger with an intercooler visible through the polycarbonate hood bulge. The result, according to Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter, is "comfortably above 600 horsepower." He told PM the Vette team's goal is 100 hp per liter of displacement, which means it should deliver right around 620 hp. If they reach that goal, the ZR1 will be more powerful than Dodge's legendary 600-hp Viper and more powerful than most production supercars (click here for supercar showdown video). By comparison, the limited-volume Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano makes 612 hp, and Lamborghini's Murciélago LP640 delivers 631 hp. But both of these cost well over $300,000, while we expect the ZR1 to sticker for around $100,000 when its 2000 production units arrive next summer.

The LS9 sends power to a heavily modified six-speed manual through a new dual disc clutch and stronger driveshaft. Juechter says the gearbox uses exotic steels in load-bearing areas--and the ratios are different, too. He insists that you can hit 65 mph in first gear, but the rest of the ratios are more closely spaced together than in the regular Corvette's transmission. The rear differential is built to handle that power as well, with the differential case itself having a unique cast with reinforcements and additional ribs. The ring-and-pinion is shot-peened for durability.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

This drool-worthy list of hardcore parts would indicate the ZR1 is built to be the ultimate track-day weapon--surpassing the edgy performance of the Z06. But the ZR1 was conceived to deliver a more relaxed and refined driving experience. The idea was to create a supercar with no compromises for daily driveability, Juechter says, so the ride rates of the ZR1 are closer to a base Corvette than a Z06. And because of this, all ZR1 Corvettes come standard with Magnetic Ride Control dampers.

Despite the softer suspension tune, the ZR1 gets 285/30ZR19 front tires and simply giant 335/25R20 rear tires wrapped around unique wheels. Those rear tires are wider than just about any production car's and should help get those 600-plus horses to the ground. The brakes are upgraded, too: Each ZR1 comes with a ceramic brake package with 15.5-in. rotors up front and 15-in. units in the rear. Interestingly, these are the same basic brakes Ferrari lists as an option for the 599 GTB.

Inside, the ZR1 is very similar to a standard Corvette, with the exception of a supercharger boost gauge. But that doesn't mean that we still can't wait to finally drive the thing. In the meantime, get ready for our live ZR1 coverage from the Detroit auto show with all the glory shots you can handle ....